[Washington, DC] -- A car bomb exploded today near the General Directorate of Traffic in Riyadh, resulting in the death of four people - two security officers, a civilian employee and an 11-year old girl - and injuring 148, of whom 45 are still hospitalized. At 2:00 p.m. local time, a car tried to enter the traffic headquarters. When stopped by the guards on duty, the driver exploded the car about 30 yards from the gate.

Ambassador to the United States Prince Bandar bin Sultan commented on today’s incident, saying: “This attack on our nation’s capital was a despicable act by a desperate group of criminals who are devoid of all Islamic and human values. Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and their families during this difficult time. We pray that the souls of those who were lost will be blessed, and we wish a quick and full recovery for those who were injured. The entire nation is committed to ending the threat posed by these terrorists and their cowardly attacks on our peaceful society. The Saudi people will not be intimidated, and, with the help of God Almighty, these criminals will receive just and swift retribution.”

Earlier this week, His Royal Highness Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, First Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard, spoke during a cabinet meeting of terrorism as wreaking havoc on the earth, and of the aggression committed by a deviant and evil group of people. He stressed that the group of terrorists that is targeting the Kingdom's stability and is deliberately threatening the people’s safety, will on the contrary only enhance Saudi Arabia’s cohesion and unity, and the commitment of all its citizens, including the security forces, to confront anyone who tries to harm its capabilities and security.